When pressing the seams in your quilt block, always press the seam flat
first, the way it was sewn. This sinks the thread into the fabric and
reduces the bulk of the seam. This habit can eliminate the "hanging-up"
on the walking foot while machine quilting.
Keep a bar of non-moisturizing soap on the table next to your quilting
chair. When you sit down to quilt, thread about ten needles with
thread, stick them all into the soap, and Voila!! You have sharp,
threaded needles waiting! When finished with each one, stick the empty
needle back into the soap! They remain sharp and rust free for ever so
much longer!!
Before washing your fabric, trim the corners off the selvage edges at a
diagonal. This prevents the cut edge from raveling in the wash, and is
a great way to tell at a glance if you've pre-washed that fabric!
To remove pencil marks, according to the August issue of Lady's Circle
Patchwork Quilts, "Quilt Patch Queries" by Sue Nickels and Pat Holly,
suggests the following:
"Make a solution that is one part water, three parts rubbing alcohol,
and one or two drops of Palmolive or Joy dishwashing liquid. Do not use
Dawn -- it may bleach out the fabric. Use a cotton swab to apply and
gently scrub with a soft toothbrush. Wipe dry with a cloth. Again, test
this before applying to your whole quilt . . . We hope this helps and
remember to TEST, TEST, TEST! We also want to let you know that many a
priceless, beloved antique quilt still has pencil marks on it."
try the following recipe:
1 Gallon Water
1 Quart Buttermilk
1 Tablespoon Lemon Juice
Soak quilt in mixture then wash in mild detergent. Your colors will return to their original brilliance.
